Getting Started
Available services
Counseling Center offers services to currently enrolled Missouri State University students. Consultation and referral services are available to others. There are no fees or charges for counseling-related services. If you are a Missouri State University employee, please refer to Staff, Faculty and Graduate Assistant Support for more information.
Make an appointment
Getting started with our services at MSU is easy! The first session - called an Initial Consultation - consists of exploring the reasons why a student is seeking our services, relevant personal history and the development of the student's goals.
Scheduling an appointment
Students are encouraged to call the Counseling Center at 417-836-5116 to schedule an appointment in advance. You can also stop by our office located in Magers Health and Wellness Center, suite 304, to schedule an appointment. The Counseling Center is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am – 5:00pm. Here’s what to expect:
New clients (Students who have never been seen at the Counseling Center, or were last seen prior to June 1st 2023)
- You will be scheduled for an Initial Consultation with a case manager. The Initial Consultation appointment is a brief 20-30 minute screening where the provider will review your concerns and discuss resources available to students through the Counseling Center such as informational and interactional self-help, peer support options, skill-building workshops, expert assisted e-support, group therapy and individual therapy. This is an important aspect of our stepped care model.
Initial Consultations are offered primarily through Zoom. For students who do not have access to a computer or smart phone, we are providing face-to-face consultations upon request.
Returning clients (Students who have completed an Intake at the Counseling Center since June 1st 2023)
- You will be scheduled for an Intake – Annual Update session with your provider. This is a 45-50 minute appointment.
- If you have completed an Intake appointment since June 1st, 2024, you will be schedule for a counseling appointment with your current provider. This is a 45-50 minute appointment.
- If your provider is no longer at the CC, you will be scheduled for an Initial Consultation to determine the best referral for you based on your availability and the center’s availability.
Schedule an appointment today!
Unscheduled appointments/Walk-ins
While students are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance with the CC, we do understand that sometimes situations arise where more immediate support is needed. For walk-in students without an appointment, a case manager will be available Monday through Friday between 9:00am and 3:00pm to provide brief screenings (10-15 minutes) to discuss and assess presenting concerns and provide resources and possible options. If available and deemed appropriate, a same-day Initial Consultation can be scheduled on the recommendation of the case manager (or designee) who completes the screening. Outside of these hours, during normal business hours, other staff will provide screenings when available.
NOTE: In any situation where the presenting concerns meet the criteria for a clinical crisis, the case manager will refer the student immediately to a senior clinical staff member.
Mental Health Emergency
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency after 5 pm or on weekends, please do one of the following immediately:
- Go to the nearest Emergency Room or Urgent Care Center.
- Call 911 or 988 for the National Mental Health Crisis Line.
- Call Campus Safety at 417-836-5509.
- Contact the Counseling Center general number, 417-836-5116, and press zero to speak with a crisis counselor.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency during the hours of 8 am – 5 pm, please either call the Counseling Center general number, 417-836-5116, or come by the Counseling Center, located in Magers Health and Wellness Center, Suite 304, and request to speak with a crisis counselor.